This policy applies to all graduate and undergraduate programs that award academic credit, regardless of the instructional delivery method, including, but not limited to, online, hybrid, self-paced, lecture, seminar and laboratory.

A credit hour is defined as the amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is obtained through a minimum of one hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester.

A credit hour may also be earned by at least an equivalent of the work required in Section 02.02 for other academic activities including laboratory work, internships, studio work, practica, independent research activity and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours.

To ensure good quality of student learning, students should not take more courses in any term (long or summer) which allows more than one semester credit hour per week over the course of the term. Generally, students should not be allowed more than six semester credit hours during a five-and-a-half-week session or no more than three credit hours during a three-week session.

PRACTICE

The final exam period is part of the instructional time. If a final exam is not appropriate for a particular course, an appropriate form of instruction should be delivered at the time scheduled for the final exam.

Variations from this guideline may be permitted if the course has been reviewed and approved through the faculty-driven course curriculum process and it has been determined that the course has equivalent learning outcomes to a traditionally-delivered course.

Academic units are responsible for ensuring that credit hours are only awarded for work that meets the requirements outlined in this policy.

The Office of the University Registrar and all others involved with setting calendars and class schedules should help insure this guideline is met.

REVIEWERS OF THIS PPS

Reviewers of this PPS include the following:

Position

Date

University Registrar

July 1 E3Y

CERTIFICATION STATEMENT

This PPS has been approved by the following individuals in their official capacities and represents Texas State Academic Affairs policy and procedure from the date of this document until superseded.